Over 17 million vehicles were sold in the US in 2018.
Because it’s the law in most cases, the majority of those cars were sold with their accompanying title. But what happens if you want to sell a car without a title?
Although it can be more painstaking, selling a car without a title is possible. Indeed, there are a few ways in which you can sell your car without that important piece of documentation.
Keep reading to learn how.
1. Replace the Title
There’s often a reasonable explanation for not having a title. The title could have been lost, damaged, stolen, or not provided when you bought the vehicle. There could also be a lien on the vehicle or it could have been abandoned before it came into your possession.
Whatever the reason, in most jurisdictions you cannot sell or buy a car without proof of ownership. That proof of ownership is what’s known as the title. It’s the automotive equivalent to a deed for a home.
In most states, the department of motor vehicles (DMV) handles the transferring of titles between buyers and sellers. In the case that the title was simply lost, damaged, or stolen, you can contact your local DMV to ask how you can get a replacement. They’ll have a process for helping you get a duplicate title.
2. Talk to Your Lender
Lenders typically hold a car title until the borrower has paid off their loan. If the reason you don’t have a title is that you purchased or financed your car through a loan, then you can talk to your lender. They should have a procedure in place to help you sell your vehicle before paying off the loan.
You’ll have to ask the lender what the payoff amount is before selling your vehicle. The payoff amount is how much you need to cover the debt that you owe. Once you have that information, you can make sure you set an asking price on your vehicle that will help you pay off that debt.
3. Selling a Car Without a Title for Cash
If there’s no way for you to get the title to your vehicle through the DMV or through a lender, then you might consider selling the vehicle for cash. There are many places that will give you cash for a car without requiring a title, such as we buy junk cars.
Of course, there will be additional forms to fill out. These services may also require you to prove ownership over the vehicle via your drivers license and vehicle registration number. But when you’re stuck having to sell your car without a title, this is a great option for some quick cash.
More Helpful Advice
Selling a car without a title may take more time and effort, but it’s possible to do it.
Lost, damaged, and stolen titles can easily be replaced at your local DMV. If there’s a lien on your vehicle, then you can talk to your lender about how to sell your car before paying off your loan. If there’s no way for you to get your title, then think about selling your car for cash.
